COPPELL, Texas – The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.47 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is nine cents more than this day last week and is five cents more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in Midland and Odessa are paying the most on average at $2.63 while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.33 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.68, which is nine cents more than this day last week and four cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Across the country, including Texas, March gasoline prices have roared in like a lion thanks to increasing demand and tightening gasoline stocks. On the week, however, Texas is among the top 10 least expensive states for gasoline in the nation. Still though, the statewide average as jumped 29 cents per gallon, on average, compared to this day one month ago.
“Drivers in Texas are seeing some of the cheapest gas prices in the country, but the statewide average jumped a whopping 29 cents per gallon in just the last month,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “On a national scale, AAA forecasts that gas prices will trend up moving through the spring and into the summer, which, of course, means higher pump prices are likely for Texas drivers too.”
AAA is forecasting that the national average for a regular gallon of unleaded will rise to around $2.75. Crude prices will likely increase as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) continues to implement its agreement with other global crude producers to cut production by 1.2 million barrels per day, which remains in effect through June. OPEC has announced that it will meet on June 25 and 26 and may announce a decision to end or extend its agreement at that time. Additionally, U.S.-imposed sanctions meant to curtail crude exports from Iran and Venezuela will likely tighten global supply and help crude prices inch up this spring.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free and revamped AAA App for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route and learn traffic conditions along that route, find discounts, locate parking, book a hotel and request and track AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/mobile.
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To help members and non-members identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service. AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas.